Who Is the Real Owner of TNA Wrestling?

Who Is the Real Owner of TNA Wrestling?

TNA Wrestling, also known as Impact Wrestling, has been a popular professional wrestling promotion since its inception in 2002. Over the years, there have been several changes in ownership, leading to confusion about who the real owner is.

In this article, we will delve into the history of TNA Wrestling and explore the current state of ownership.

The Early Years

TNA Wrestling was founded by Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry Jarrett. They established Total Nonstop Action (TNA) with the goal of creating an alternative to mainstream wrestling promotions.

Initially, TNA operated as a weekly pay-per-view event before securing a television deal with Fox Sports Net in 2004.

Under the Jarretts’ ownership, TNA Wrestling gained recognition for its innovative matches and distinct roster. However, financial difficulties led to changes in ownership in subsequent years.

The Arrival of Panda Energy International

In 2002, Panda Energy International purchased a minority stake in TNA Wrestling. The Texas-based energy company saw potential in the growing wrestling promotion and believed it could help TNA reach new heights.

By 2008, Panda Energy International became the majority owner of TNA Wrestling. This marked a significant shift in ownership and brought stability to the promotion.

Under Panda Energy’s ownership, TNA continued to expand its reach with international tours and increased television exposure.

The Carter Family Takes Control

In 2010, Dixie Carter, who had been involved with TNA since its early days under Jarrett’s ownership, became the president of the company. With this change in leadership came rumors that Carter’s family had acquired full ownership of TNA Wrestling.

The Carter family, notably Dixie and her husband Serg Salias, were actively involved in the day-to-day operations of TNA. As a result, they gained a reputation as the primary owners of the company.

However, the exact extent of their ownership remained a subject of speculation.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Takes Over

In 2016, Anthem Sports & Entertainment acquired a majority stake in TNA Wrestling. This marked another significant change in ownership for the promotion.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment had previously been associated with TNA as its broadcast partner, airing TNA programming on their network, Pop TV.

Under Anthem’s ownership, the promotion was rebranded as Impact Wrestling. The company made efforts to revitalize the brand and improve its public image.

They introduced new talent, implemented innovative storylines, and expanded into digital platforms.

The Current Ownership Structure

As of now, Anthem Sports & Entertainment is considered the primary owner of Impact Wrestling. They have invested resources into improving production values and expanding the promotion’s audience reach through partnerships with other wrestling promotions worldwide.

It is important to note that while Dixie Carter and her family no longer have an active role in Impact Wrestling’s day-to-day operations, they are still minority shareholders in the company.

Conclusion

Over its nearly two-decade existence, TNA Wrestling has seen multiple changes in ownership. From Jeff Jarrett to Panda Energy International to Dixie Carter and finally Anthem Sports & Entertainment, each owner has brought their own vision and direction to the promotion.

As of now, Anthem Sports & Entertainment holds majority ownership of Impact Wrestling. However, it is crucial to recognize the contributions made by previous owners, including the Jarretts and the Carter family, in shaping TNA Wrestling into what it is today.

As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how ownership may change in the future. For now, fans can enjoy the excitement and drama that Impact Wrestling brings to the world of professional wrestling.